Famagusta Museums and Art Galleries

(Famagusta, Cyprus)

History is ever present all around Famagusta, in the form of ancient ruins, Roman baths and even some royal tombs. To gain a better understanding of the city's heritage, the museums of Famagusta deserve a little attention.

Take a stroll along the historical city walls close to the Famagusta harbour and it won't be long until you reach the Canbulat Museum. Alternatively, the Namik Kemal Prison Museum at the Venetian Palace remains makes for a memorable visit, as does the St. Barnabas Icon and Archaeological Museum at the Monastery of St. Barnabas. And if Cypriot art work is of interest, then head to the Studio Atlantis in nearby Paralimni to pick up a holiday souvenir in the form of a stylish contemporary canvas.

Royal Palace / Venetian Palace and Namik Kemal Prison Museum

Address: Namik Kemal Meydani, Famagusta, Cyprus
The remains of Famagusta's Venetian Palace are often of interest to tourists, even though what is left is fairly insignificant. Located on the westerly side of the Namik Kemal Meydani, the Venetian Palace was originally named the Palazzo del Provveditore (Proveditore) and currently comprises several archways, some stone columns and a number of old cannon balls. Standing on the Namik Kemal Meydani and directly opposite the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque, the ruins of the Palazzo del Proveditore really are quite fascinating. This Royal Palace is the very spot where the earliest Kings of Queens of the island were once crowned and although in ruins, the former prison of Namik Kemal (a famous 19th-century Turkish playwright) is still standing and in a surprisingly good state of repair.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 14:00, also Monday - 13:30 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Canbulat Museum / Djanbullat Museum

Address: Canbulat Yolu, Famagusta, Cyprus
Housed within a former armoury, this cultural attraction is part of the tomb of Canbulat Bey - an Ottoman soldier remembered for the part he played in the downfall of Famagusta, which was then a Venetian-ruled city. It is said that Canbulat Bey lost his life in a dramatic fashion, since he rode his horse into a wheel covered with large spikes. The Canbulat Museum houses an array of locally found artefacts, with perhaps the most interesting aspect being the display relating to the 1974 campaign to liberate the Old Town's Turkish enclave.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

St. Barnabas Icon and Archaeological Museum

Address: Monastery of St. Barnabas, Famagusta, Cyprus
Located at the Monastery of St. Barnabas, the Archaeological Museum stands within the actual monastery cloisters and is home to some very interesting displays. Especially impressive are the 18th-century icons (holy paintings), which depict religious scenes, such as the Banquet of Herod, where John the Baptist was beheaded. There are also a multitude of ancient Bronze Age pottery pieces here, originating from the site of Enkomi. Many of the exhibits are displayed in glass cabinets and clearly labelled. Outside, the courtyard gardens make a pleasant spot to relax, shaded from the sunshine by the giant Turkish fig trees.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Studio Atlantis

Address: 273 Protaras Avenue, Paralimni, Cyprus
Tel: +357 97 648 932
Close to Famagusta and situated in the neighbouring town of Paralimni, the Studio Atlantis is a popular commercial art gallery, as well as a fashion boutique, selling an unusual mixture of paintings and clothing. Local Cypriot artists are encouraged to exhibit here and often create their paintings on enormous canvasses. Styles range from traditional Cypriot art to more modern, contemporary paintings, suiting most tastes and budgets.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:30 to 14:00
Admission: free